Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez earns unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguia to defend four titles - 'I'm the best fighter'
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ByOli Gent
Published 05/05/2024 at 08:01 GMT
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez added the 61st win of his glittering boxing career with a masterclass unanimous victory over Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas. The test against his undefeated Mexican compatriot was meant to be one of his sternest, but Alvarez settled any nerves in the fourth round by dropping Munguia for the first time in his career with an uppercut to seal another successful title defence.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 04: Canelo Alvarez of Mexico (R) knocks down Jaime Munguia (L) during their super middleweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Image credit: Getty Images
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez beat his Mexican compatriot Jaime Munguia via unanimous decision to defend his WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight titles in Las Vegas.
The champion dropped his opponent in the fourth round with a strong right uppercut that connected with Munguia, sending him to the canvas for the first time in his career.
Munguia's undefeated record ends here at 43, while Canelo made it 61 career wins, to add to his two draws and two defeats.
On Cinco de Mayo weekend at the T-Mobile Arena, Alvarez delivered Munguia a boxing masterclass.
He let his opponent fly out of the blocks too fast in the opening three rounds, gaining his composure, before demonstrating perfect patience and waiting for his chance to attack.
A Canelo jab in the sixth round had Munguia stumbling, and he followed it up with a feint-turned-left hook, but Munguia stood strong enough to remain upright.
The judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111, 115-112, with Munguia deservedly closer than some would have thought him to be after an explosive start.
But even he, with his now-extinguished undefeated record, could not deny Canelo top spot in the division.
"Jaime Munguia is a great fighter. He's strong, he's smart. But I take my time," said Alvarez afterwards.
"I have 12 rounds to win the fight and I did. I did really good and I feel proud about it.
"He's strong but I think he's a little slow. I could see every punch. That's why I'm the best. I'm the best fighter right now, for sure."
“I came out well," Munguia said. "I think at the beginning I was winning some of those rounds.
"It was going well, I let my hands go but he’s a fighter with a lot of experience. Unfortunately, he beat me. It definitely hurts."
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